Mountain hiking in Mgahinga is an amazing adventurous activity for mountain climbers in Uganda. Uganda is composed of variety places where rock hiking, mountain hiking and hiking hills. The places are safe and rich with diversity of hiking places. Mountain volcano climbing is a safe place for hiking in Uganda and you can climb Mountain Gahinga, Muhavura and Sabinyo and are among the 6 virunga mountain chain of Uganda, DR Congo and Rwanda which are famous for mountain hiking and gorilla trekking.

Mountain Muhavura

Mountain Muhavura is located at the Uganda- Rwanda border in Mgahinga gorilla National Park. It is known to be the highest peak if the gahinga ranges with 4174 m above sea level. Its hike that will take you longer to 5 hours thus making it a tough and rough journey.  The mountain has small Crater Lake at the summit and this will lead to easy access of views at the Virunga ranges.

Mountain Sabinyo

This is located at the border of 3 countries Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo. It is considered to be 3645 meters above the sea level. It is so challenging among the 3 mountains and it is due of the rugged terrain with more craters and the amazing part of it, mountain Sabinyo is that it has the best watching views of the Virunga’s stretching to the 3 countries. It has 3 peaks which look like 3 spaced teeth and the local name of Sabinyo is known as Old man’s teeth. It will require you to take one day.

Mountain Gahinga

Mountain Gahinga is the smallest mountain amongst all the 3 that is Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabinyo. It is the most dormant volcano among the Virunga Mountains. It is among the easiest and shortest hike and you will need 6 hours to descend and ascend to 3474m above sea level. The mountain has a bigger swampy crater lake at the top and you will not get the best views. Gahinga is a name that originates from local language which means pile of stones.

To hike the 3 mountains, you will start it by morning with a briefing at the park’s headquarters and the briefing is about the guidelines you will have to follow at the hiking time. The briefing is done by the park wardens and guides to help you to understand the hiking experience. When briefing is over, you will be told to head to the trails for volcano climbing experience and guided by park rangers and guides. You will be given walking sticks that are of help in climbing and porters are available to be hired so as to give you a hand in carrying your bag backer so as for you to walk freely. The experience is wonderful.

How long does it take to hike to the Mountain Sabinyo, Muhavura and Gahinga?

Considering the hiker’s speed and fitness, you can climb the 3 mountains easier in Uganda. Mountain Muhavura climbing takes you 6-7 hours to ascend and descend because it is the highest elevation and steepest volcanic ranges. Hiking is interesting as you take a walk via the trails in the jungle and you will watch birds, elephants and other wildlife once you reach the top of the mountains.

Mountain Sabinyo hiking will take you a day. 4 hours to summit and you will use 4 hours to return back and all this will depend on your speed and weather conditions. You will watch rugged nature of the terrain and you will see Sabinyo slopes that have got many craters with sharp ridges. Walking sticks are also given to travelers freely and porters are available to be hired. You will pass via vegetation ranges from bamboo zone which is between 2400-2800m. Sabinyo is higher than Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhavura is the second one.

Mountain Gahinga climbing is the easiest among the 3 mountains. It will take you roughly 6 hours to ascend to the summit and also descend back to the starting point. If you love climbing and you’re not fit, you can climb at a low pace to the smallest volcano. You will go through the bamboo vegetation at the base and you will continue to climb to the steepest slopes of volcanoes. The crater on Mt Mgahinga is shallow and it is covered with moors and swamps where you will find plants like Senecio, Alchemilla and Lobelia thrive. At the top the environment is cold and misty but with amazing views. Mt Gahinga hiking typically takes half day depending on your energy as a climber and the time spent at the summit.

How much does it cost to Hike Mountain Sabinyo, Muhavura and Gahinga.

Liable on your budget, we can give you a package that is amazing for an incredible hiking experience at Mgahinga gorilla National Park. We provide all inclusive packages like accommodation, transport, hiking fees and entrance fees plus the other hiking services for the safari in the 3 mountains. Hiking fees for Mount Sabinyo, Muhavura and Gahinga is USD70 for Foreign Residents, USD 80 per person Foreign Non-residents, and 50,000 UGX for East African citizens.

At the entrance of Mgahinga Park, you will pay a fee of USD30 for foreign residents, USD40 for foreign non-residents, and UGX 20,000 for East Africa citizens per day as park entrance fee. The park entrance fee and mountain climbing fee are paid per day and per person and you can pay to the Uganda Wildlife Authority and is the managing body in Uganda.

Where to stay In Mgahinga while hiking Mountain Gahinga, Muhavura and Sabinyo?

These mountains are found in Mgahinga gorilla National Park and there are various choices where you can decide to sleep when your there. Most of these lodges are located in the outskirts of the park and have a clear view of mountain ranges and forest. The lodges range from Budget to luxury and they include luxury hotels like Gahinga lodge, Midrange and budget hotels like, Lake Muhele Lodge, Lake Chahafi Lodge. You can also decide to stay in hotels located in Kisoro town and it will take you 30 minutes to drive and reach the park’s headquarters. Some travelers may decide to sleep in lodges at the Rushaga sector of Bwindi and it will take you just 1 hour to drive and reach Mgahinga gorilla National Park.